TRENTON, NJ – Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Consumer Affairs announced a new rule proposal by the State Board of Medical Examiners aimed at expanding the number of healthcare providers authorized to perform early aspiration abortions in New Jersey.
Published in the New Jersey Register on September 18, the proposed rule outlines the requirements for Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) and Certified Midwives (CMs) to safely and effectively perform these procedures.
There are currently 431 CNMs and 17 CMs active in the state under the Midwifery Liaison Committee of the Board.
The announcement comes after the Board’s December 2021 decision to remove medically unnecessary restrictions on abortion procedures, including the requirement that only a licensed physician could perform them.
Attorney General Platkin emphasized the state’s commitment to reproductive freedom, stating that the rule proposal ensures that early aspiration abortions remain readily available. Cari Fais, Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs, noted that lack of access to authorized providers could lead to increased risks and costs.
The public can submit comments on the proposed rule until November 17, 2023.
This proposal is part of New Jersey’s continued efforts to protect and expand access to reproductive health care, especially in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court’s June 2022 decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization that overturned Roe v. Wade. These efforts include legislative measures, insurance coverage mandates, a dedicated “Reproductive Rights Strike Force,” and budget allocations for family planning services.